Sunlight Tax

“One of the most advantageous things that exists in the U.S. tax code is a Roth IRA for a minor.”

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing the benefits of tax-advantaged savings for children, specifically focusing on a Roth IRA for kids. I explain how parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for their kids, the advantages of a Roth IRA, and the importance of teaching children about compound interest and financial literacy.

This episode also emphasizes the long-term benefits of starting early with investments and how this can empower the next generation financially.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:32 The concept of tax-advantaged savings for kids

01:02 What is a custodial Roth IRA and why it’s beneficial

01:58 How kids with summer jobs can start investing

02:53 Difference between traditional and Roth IRA explained

04:18 Advantages of Roth IRA for minors and future tax benefits

07:15 Why kids’ low income makes Roth IRA especially advantageous

08:40 Teaching kids about compound interest and investment growth

11:08 Resources for learning about compound interest and investing

13:03 Empowering the next generation with financial tools

I hope this 3-part series on investing for your kid(s) helps you understand your options. If you missed the first two, here they are:

1. Trump Accounts explainer (if your kid was born in 2025, 2026 or you’re planning for one in 2027 or 2028, please get the FREE $1000 you are entitled to)

2. 529 Plan vs Trump Accounts (you can use both).

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it even matter?

How to fund your IRA: Pay yourself first

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain the key differences between Trump Accounts and 529 Plans, two tax-advantaged savings options designed to help families invest in their children’s futures.

You’ll learn who qualifies for a Trump Account, how these new custodial investment accounts work, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how they compare to traditional 529 college savings plans. I also break down the advantages and drawbacks of each option, including flexibility, eligible uses, long-term growth potential, and strategies for maximizing tax-efficient wealth building.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:00 Introduction to Trump Accounts and 529 Plans

02:00 What Are Trump Accounts? Eligibility and Benefits

04:50 Pros and Cons of Trump Accounts

09:07 Understanding 529 Plans and Their Benefits

13:01 Transferability and Investment Options in 529 Plans

17:58 Using 529 Funds for Education and Beyond

20:04 Comparing Purpose and Benefits of Both Vehicles

21:03 Final Tips and Strategic Considerations

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the new Trump Accounts, a custodial savings program for children introduced in 2026. I walk through who qualifies, how these accounts work, how to open one, contribution limits, and the tax rules you need to know.

I also explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using a Trump Account as part of a long-term savings strategy, how it compares to other options for investing in a child’s future, and what families should consider before contributing. Despite the name, these accounts are a good thing.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction to Trump Accounts and Their Purpose

01:28 What is a Trump Account and Its Legislative Background

02:52 Eligibility, Bonus Contributions, and Funding Limits

04:15 How to Open a Trump Account and the Election Process

07:17 Investment Strategies and Allowed Assets in Trump Accounts

09:04 How to Use the Trump Accounts and Withdrawal Rules

11:48 Who Can Open a Trump Account and Additional Flexibility

14:56 Next Steps for Building Wealth

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

"It may not be what you want to hear, but it's better to know it before you sink an enormous amount of time and energy and then realize that that's only one third of the project."

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I’ve learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.

We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update

08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing

10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement

14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal

18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning

19:07 Platform and Audience Building

22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting

22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book

29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours

32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book

33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book

35:00 Reader Engagement and Feedback

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans?

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.

We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you’ve ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work

05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy

07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment

09:02 Living off wealth, not income

10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation

12:15 The estate tax and loopholes

16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system

17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets

23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms

25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges

29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes

31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policies

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

About Professor Ray D. Madoff:

Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.

Episode Links:

Professor Ray Madoff’s Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy

My FAQ page on how to Tax the Rich

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

“If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.”

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection

02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts

06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs

08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning

11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth

15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving

17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A Millionaire

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

“It’s stressful to work for an employer and it’s stressful to work for yourself. It’s just like ‘choose your stress.’” – Anna Burgess Yang

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planning

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction to Solopreneurship

06:01 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance

10:25 Common Mistakes Solopreneurs Make

12:26 The Risks of Employment vs. Self-Employment

17:10 Current Economic Landscape for Freelancers

22:20 Navigating Career Pivots

28:04 Financial Management for Solopreneurs

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

About Anna Burgess Yang:

Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist specializing in B2B SaaS and fintech. She is also a solopreneur educator focused on back-end business operations. A former corporate executive, she now writes long-form content for clients. She also maintains her own blog, newsletter, and a tutorials site. Within her content, she teaches other solopreneurs and marketers how to use AI and automation to work more efficiently.

Check Out Anna’s Work:

FREE RESOURCE: Budget Health Check

Anna’s Instagram

Anna’s LinkedIn

Anna’s YouTube Channel

Episode Links:

Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations.

I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 My Art Campaign

00:29 The State of Wealth Inequality in the US

00:57 Tax Fairness and the Wealthy

01:50 Problems with Wealth Tax and Historical Context

02:45 Inheritances and the Income Tax System

03:41 Hannah’s Grassroots Campaign and Art Fundraiser

04:41 Understanding the Sunlight Tax Website

05:09 Funding the IRS and Tax Enforcement

06:34 Myths and Misinformation about Tax Laws

07:32 Upcoming Expert Interview with Professor Madoff

09:00 Misconceptions about Inheritance and Gift Taxes

12:17 The Truth About Estate Taxes and Public Perception

16:35 Tax Benefits for Primary Residence Sales

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Support me in rebuilding my studio

Ray Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.

Get my Tax Help on Substack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

"Everyone should feel that their taxes are fair."

This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I share why tax fairness matters and how current tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing a greater burden on working people and small business owners. I break down the growing gap between wealth and taxation, explain how these policies affect everyday life, and discuss why a more equitable tax system is essential for a stronger economy and society.

I also share the story behind my latest art project – a fundraiser to rebuild my Helene-destroyed studio that doubles as what I do best: Helping you understand & spread the word about a key issue that’s complex, fact-based, and offering real solutions. With a touch of handmade vibes. And spread the word (before the midterms), and buy a hand-printed tote that helps me rebuild.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:49 The Taxation Debate: Fairness and Advocacy

08:30 Understanding Wealth Inequality

10:09 Misdirection in Taxation

20:02 Strategies of the Wealthy

22:25 Systemic Failures in Taxation

25:27 Proposed Solutions for Tax Fairness

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Support me in rebuilding my studio

Ray Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.

Katherine Anne Edwards, economist, and co-host of the podcast The Optimist Economy

Get my Tax Help on Substack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

This week, I’m sharing my personal journey of resetting my mind and business, and the three simple brain shifts that have helped me expand my attention and handle stress in a more sustainable way. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I walk you through grounded tools you can start using right away to feel more focused and in control.

In this episode, I explore how I’m learning to manage overwhelm and embrace humility through powerful metaphors. My hope is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down and make small, meaningful changes that support a more intentional life and work.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 A journey on how I’m embracing the Reset

12:08 The Power of Reading

15:24 Building a Supportive Community

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Episode Links:

Take the 2-minute survey here.

The Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 201: Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social Media

Get my Tax Help on Substack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed